“Brainrot” is what happens when someone spends too much time scrolling through TikTok, YouTube Shorts, or Instagram Reels. The content may be funny, random, or chaotic – but after hours of nonstop viewing, one’s brain starts to feel like Play-Doh. Functioning without a phone? Nearly impossible.
Brainrot videos are everywhere, and they have spawned a new generation of catchphrases that might leave older viewers confused. Here are the top 5 terms that define the era of digital decay.
#5 Fanum Tax
The “Fanum tax,” named after popular streamer Fanum, refers to stealing food from one’s friends like a feral animal. It is usually invoked when someone is hungry, broke, and determined to take every last bite.
At West Chicago Community High School, journalist Oscar Giron has a reputation for taxing lunches: especially those cooked by a certain senior reporter whose identity may or may not rhyme with “Shmamian.” His meals? Reportedly too scrumptious to resist.
#4 Alpha
An “alpha” is typically a strong, smart, confident leader. These are the students who dominate in class, sports, and even chess club. They stand out and take charge.
Senior Reporter Leo Mendez is known for his alpha energy – he is a natural leader on the chess team and never backs down, even during heated debates with fellow reporter Jonathon Saucedo.
#3 Sigma
The “sigma” male is the lone wolf: independent, mysterious, often misunderstood. Sigmas reject traditional social rules and usually have anime profile pics, wolf hoodies, or a deeply monotone inner monologue.
Batman, especially Robert Pattinson’s 2022 version, is the ultimate sigma. The black eyeliner. The gravelly voice. The refusal to smile. Peak sigma.
#2 Rizz
“Rizz” means charisma, especially in the flirting department. Everyone thinks they have rizz—but not everyone actually does.
TikTok’s “Rizzler,” a nine-year-old who became famous for his exaggerated expressions, set the internet ablaze. But if one’s promposal gets rejected? Yeah… their rizz might need some work.
#1 Skibidi
First uploaded on Feb. 7, 2023, “Skibidi Toilet” racked up 56 million views in season one alone. Now at 25 seasons and counting, the show and its absurd catchphrase “skibidi” have taken over Gen Z vocab.
Some schools have even banned the word because of its nonstop, often chaotic use. Skibidi has become the face of modern brainrot – thanks to its toilet humor, absurd animation, and undeniable ability to get stuck in one’s head for hours.
